3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned snugly within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature a 360o rotating front wheel, which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with large tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, 3 wheel pushchair is that they are quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can be used by children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her three-year-old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. For babies you have the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest setting that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame instead of sitting on top as an open-back seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family The sport(tm) is a world first, can accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle for your convenience. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and must be replenished regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard then it's rubber and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.